7 January – March 2022 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica University of Technology, Jamaica, Western Campus, On March 4, 2022, hosted a virtual fourth staging of its Career Development and Labour Market Symposium, a precursor to the University’s annual Career and Job Placement Fair. Under the theme ‘Embracing Excellence in a Dynamic Economy’, Moderator and Assistant Registrar, Western Campus, Ms. Antoinette Smith explained that the symposium aimed to foster students’ professional development and engagement with industry professionals. The day’s events featured three main segments, namely focusing on a Celebration of Excellence, Special Presentations and a Students’ Entrepreneurial Challenge. Ms. Sophia McIntosh, Western Campus Coordinator, in her remarks, underscored the University’s mission and vision of equipping students “with the skills necessary to take advantage of global opportunities” and by extension the Fourth Industrial Revolution. During the Celebration of Excellence segment, greetings were also delivered by Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, Custos of Montego Bay St. James who noted that, “a culture of excellence does not happen by chance,” and encouraged students to embrace their desires to excel. His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Mr. Leeroy Williams represented by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, encouraged students to be thinkers and doers as “the road to career development is a winding one, it takes much personal monitoring and evaluation to reach goals.” The highlight of segment one of the Career Development and Labour Market Symposium was a comprehensive presentation on ‘The Life and Legacy of the Hon. Gordon “Butch” Stewart,’ late Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) which was delivered through video and live presentations from executives of Sandals Resorts International, Mr Jeremy Jones, Director of Government and Corporate Services and Mr Ryan Mathew, Director of Human Resources. They both shared insights into valuable lessons learned from Butch Stewart, with Mr Jones noting “the lesson he [Butch] has taught us is that if you are dreaming big, never lose sight of that dream”. Mr. Mathew further expounded on SRI’s pillars of success including team member engagement, innovation, flexibility, love and customer focus, among others attributes. The SRI executives also encouraged students to “make their word their bond” and always follow through on commitments, while encouraging them to anticipate the expectations of consumers with the aim of exceeding those expectations. Segment 2 of the symposium featured special presentations from representatives of partnering entities, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ), Bureau of Gender Affairs and JMMB Bank. Students’ Entrepreneurial Challenge The symposium ended with the ‘Students’ Entrepreneurial Challenge’ sponsored by the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation. Greetings were offered by Mrs. Kim Mair, CEO JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation represented by Miss Tracey-Ann Myrie, Branch Operations Manager, JMMB Bank, Fairview, Montego Bay in which she commended entrants and encouraged them “to step out boldly…and with possibility thinking to turn each mishap into an opportunity to pivot.” Business models were showcased to a panel of judges by budding student entrepreneurs and finalists Miss Chantelle Young, Faculty of Law - Paralegal Fix, Mrs Shanae Pink- Blake, Caribbean School of Nursing, with her entrepreneurial idea Clever Little Minds and Miss Cadyne Graham, School of Business Administration, with her business model for Braids by Cad. From the sponsor’s commitment of $100,000.00, the consolation award of $10,000.00 went to Mrs Pink-Blake and 2nd place award of $35,000.00 to Miss Young. With the highest point standing, the 1st place prize of $55,000 and Western Campus Students’ Entrepreneurial Challenge Trophy went to Miss Graham of Braid By Cads. Western Campus Hosts Career Development and Labour Market Symposium Ms. Antoinette Smith, Assistant Registrar, Western Campus welcomes students and participants at the UTech, Ja, Western Campus’ Career Development and Labour Market Symposium on March 4, 2022 held via the Zoom platform. Students’ Entrepreneurial Challenge participants (l-r) Mis Chantelle Young, Paralegal Fix, Mrs Shanae Pink-Blake, Clever Little Minds and Miss Cadyne Graham, Braids by Cad
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDQ5NzI=